Assistive Devices for Vertigo

[computerlady911]

I am writing to ask if anyone has any ideas about assistive devices to use while suffering with Severe Vertigo. I have been dealing with this (the room spinning) for about 4 months now since my last attack. My Doctor put me on 3 days of IV Steriods but it doesn't seem to be helping at all. I have problems just getting from one room to the next because of this and have banged and hurt my head several times because of this. I even gave myself a black eye by running into a wooden cabinet that was hanging on my wall a couple of days ago. I am getting so frustrated and wondered if anyone else has delt with this and knows of any way to make it easier to live with.
Thanks for all of your help!

[LadyErte]

vertigo one solution

Computerlady,
I too suffer from vertigo but not to your extent. I found if I don't chew gum with sugar in it that helps a lot and there are plenty of great tasting sugar frees out there. I also use a method my Uncle taught me--when walking if I start getting dizzy I stare at one of my hands. It may sound silly but it works and so much better than bumping into walls and bookcases, which I manage to do even without the dizziness. I truly hopes this helps you. One other suggestion have you been checked for ear infection? You may want to ask your doctor to have you see an ear, nose and throat specialist.
LadyErte

[johnagpes]

This may help you

God bless you ..my wife had the same problem as you and in one month fell 50 times. We are taking Clonazepam Tab 0.5mg

This took the falling and dizziness away. Lord bless this lady to do for her as you did for my blessed wife. For I ask in Jesus name, Amen

[beakergirl]

Great question!

The only thing that works for me is resting the back of my head against the wall or something else that will not move.

I love other ideas, though! SO frustrating.

[epicenegreen]

Been there, no magic tools

The three plus months of severe vertigo I went through were the worst time of my life. I still get panicky when I get dizzy, worrying that it might come back. I have permanent minor dizziness ever since. At the time of the attack I had just stopped taking Avonex, and after going through IV steroids to help relieve the attack I went on Copaxone and have not had one since. Laying still in a dark cool room was the only thing I could do comfortably. Even then, my mind made me miserable thinking that it would never end.

Find a way to be positive. It will make all the difference in the world. It will get better. The IV steroids may help eventually. Something will work. Do not give in to depression. Make your friends and family be there for you.

In terms of tools, all I had was my arms and hands. You could also use a rolling walker to keep you from falling. And, if need be just close your eyes when you must move, and go very slowly. Put a cold compress on the back of your head and neck to help with any inflammation. Try to find ways to do things with your voice instead of with your eyes and hands. That way you can keep still and keep your eyes closed.

I hope this attack passes soon and that you stay safe. Just make the world come to you for a little while.

[penkalet]

epicenegreen

I got a terrible virtogo also 6 months ago and my neuro send me to have physical therapy.
WORKS GREAT, after 4 visites it was almost gone!.

I am still doing exercises to help my balance and dizzyness.

Goggle vertigo and you will see explanations and exercises.

Good luck

[GardeningMSer]

little crystals in your inner ear

epicenegreen,

Vertigo is terrible!

I don't know if the rest of this post is applicable to you, but it might. I think penkalet may be referring to it.

My wife suffered from vertigo that can is due to very small crystals forming in her inner ear, they move, land on a sensitive spot causing you to feel abysmal.

If this is the case, through a complex set of head movements, they may move to a more benign location.

We were concerned, she went through multiple doctors before I did some googling and found that the words I wanted to use in the search were
benign postural vertigo

Googling gets useful hits.

After consulting with my neuro she decided to not go through the movements, he said that eventually her nerves would adjust to the presence of the crystals. For the most part they did, though sometimes the vertigo returns when she moves her head quickly when lifting her head from a pillow